Electrical Connections

13 Amp Vs 32 Amp

This type of hot tub is the most common type of new hot tub available today. They are also known as “Plug and Play” hot tubs meaning they can simply be plugged into a normal 13amp, 3 pin domestic socket found in every household in the UK.

A "Plug and Play" hot tub is a great option but, there are a few things to note before buying one.

Single Pump – Most plug and play hot tubs will have a single pump which operates at 2 speeds, (low and high). This is absolutely fine for most people and they provide a fantastic experience for the user.

Heater – "Plug and Play" hot tubs will typically have a 2KW heater which is perfectly fine for a hot tub in the 2m x 2m size capacity. From cold, a 2KW heater will take about 12 to 16 hours to heat the water to 40 degrees and the inbuilt thermostat will hold the temperature, clicking the heater on and off to keep the temperature at constant level.

The important thing to remember is that a 13amp / "plug and play" hot tub CANNOT heat and pump at high speed at the same time when plugged into a normal 13amp socket. – its either on high speed with heater off or low speed with heater on. Most hot tubs will lose about 1 degree per hour when in use with the cover off so this is fine for most users.

If you decide to go for a 13 Amp hot tub, you will need an external waterproof socket installed near to where your hot tub is to be located. This needs to be installed by a qualified electrician.

32 Amp Hot Tubs

This type of hot tub typically consists of the same elements – pumps and heaters but usually at bigger capacities. Bigger hot tubs will usually have 2 to 3 pumps which pump water to different areas of the hot tub and can be turned on and off independently of each other where required. Air Blowers can also be an option, these take in air from the outside and blow it through micro jets in the hot tub to create a fantastic experience!

A Larger heater is usually installed rated at 3KW or above and this will heat the water faster from cold than a 13amp tub but once up to temperature, the difference is negligible.

The one main difference is, a 32amp hot tub can keep the heater on whilst the pumps are running assuming the hot tub has been setup to run this way.

A 32amp hot tub needs a high power feed to be taken from your fuse board to the location where the hot tub is to be sited. Typically, a 6mm steel wire armoured (SWA) cable is used and the circuit protected at the fuse board by a RCD breaker. An isolator should be located near to the hot tub.

Again, this should be carried out by a qualified electrician.